[ Yeah, Ellie can't even pretend she knows what these people want from them, but it's clear that their use does not require them in peak physical condition, nor comfortable. From the get-go this whole thing has been a mess. ]

Good for you. [ And that should sound genuine, though he can't see the look on her face. 'Fuck em,' it would say. ] The bruised ego part usually lasts a lot longer than the actual bruises, so I'd say you came out on top.

[ Not that it feels like anyone's 'on top' right now. ]